How to Create an App Like UberEats? Build it in 5 Easy Steps

Do you want to build a food delivery app like UberEats? If yes, then you’re at the right place. You follow the simple steps mentioned in this blog and create a top-notch customizable UberEats clone app solution for your food business. 

Food delivery apps like UberEats have reshaped how we access and enjoy our favorite meals, contributing to the sector’s projected $213 billion global revenue by 2030. 

With over 88 million UberEats users worldwide, businesses can enhance their visibility and profits by launching a similar platform. If you’re looking to capitalize on this growing trend, building an app like UberEats is a powerful way to streamline food orders and delivery services. 

This blog walks you through the essential steps to create a food delivery app that mirrors Uber Eats’ success.

So, let’s start.

UberEats Business Model

The business model of UberEats has inspired food business owners to start their online food delivery business. It works as two different models:

Aggregator Model: In this model, all the partner restaurants are listed in the app. This model allows customers to place their orders by searching for their favorite restaurant, and the restaurant fulfills the order.  

How does it work?

• Users select the food place and place an order.
• The restaurant receives the order and starts preparation.
• The food is picked up by the restaurant rider.
• The rider delivers the food to the user. 

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective	Less control over customer experience
Bring buyers and sellers on a single platform	Restaurants do not have access to order-related information
Simplify the transaction process

Delivery Model: The second model is order and delivery, in which Uber Eats provides partner restaurants with full logistical support. The food delivery service providers use their riders to deliver orders from restaurants that lack the resources to provide delivery service.

How does it work?

• The customer places an order and pays the payment.
• The restaurant receives the order and starts preparing it.   
• The platform delivers the order to the customer using their riders.
• When the order is ready, the restaurant sends a notification to the rider.
• The rider picks up the order and delivers it to the user.

Pros	Cons
Increase visibility	Lack of control over the delivery service
Increase loyalty	High Commission
	The quality of food may suffer

How Does UberEats Work?

Uber Eats is an on-demand food delivery platform connecting users, restaurants, and delivery agents. The service operates through a mobile application available on iOS and Android devices. Here’s how UberEats works:

• The users download the app from the PlayStore. 
• Create an account by providing the basic information. Existing Uber account holders can use their credentials to log in.
• Users can search for restaurants in their area, explore menus, and apply filters based on cuisine, ratings, delivery time, and other preferences. This empowers users to conveniently find and choose their desired dining options.
• Pay the payment with the available methods. 
• When the order is placed, the restaurant confirms the order and starts preparing it.  
• The rider collects the order from the restaurant and delivers it to the customer’s doorstep. 

How Does The UberEats App Make Money? – UberEats Revenue Model

UberEats uses the following monetization strategies to make revenue:

• Delivery Charges

UberEats applies a variable delivery fee to customers, which is determined based on factors such as the customer’s location and the availability of delivery drivers. The fee is not fixed and may vary accordingly.

• Commission Fee from Restaurants

UberEats deducts a percentage of the total revenue from each restaurant order, typically ranging from 15% to 40%. The specific percentage is determined based on factors such as the restaurant’s market maturity and prominence.

• Promotions

The restaurants pay special commissions and fees to UberEats who wish to promote themselves on their platform. It allows restaurants to get more sales and quickly grab the audience’s attention.

• Surge Pricing

It is another major factor in the UberEats revenue. The surge or busy fee is calculated according to the number of orders and the availability of riders. The fee can be as low as 1.13x or as high as 3x the delivery fee.   

Features of UberEats Clone App

UberEats like a clone app contains four users:

• Customer
• Restaurant owner
• Rider 
• Admin 

The app gives unique features to each user that are customized to meet the demands of them. Let’s explore each user feature in detail.    

For Customer 

Features	Description
Quick Login	This feature of the UberEats clone script allows customers to log in using their email and password to access the app features. Also, they can use their social media accounts for profile creation.
Restaurant Search	Customers can search for restaurants based on cuisine, location, ratings, and restaurant name. This feature allows them to order from the best restaurants or try new cuisines easily.
Schedule Orders	Customers can easily schedule orders according to their availability. With this feature, customers can easily set the time for pickup or delivery that suits them.
Push Notifications	Restaurants can send notifications and alerts to customers about order status, order tracking, new deals, special offers, etc.
Secure Payment Options	To make the payment process seamless, add multiple payment options integrated with various payment gateways along with debit cards/credit card options.
Order Tracking	Customers can track their orders in real time from preparation to the rider’s delivery.
Ratings and Reviews	Using this feature of an app similar a UberEats, customers can leave ratings and reviews for the restaurant, food, and rider service.
Favorites and Recent Orders	Customers can save their favorite restaurants and easily reorder from their recent order history.

For Restaurant 

Features	Description
Order Management	Restaurant owners can view the order requests, canceled, dispatched, or picked up from the dashboard. Also, they have the right to accept or reject orders according to their availability.
Menu Management	Restaurants can add and modify the menu with new dishes. Also, they update the app by adding new offers, deals, and special announcements.
Sales Reports	With the feature, restaurants may monitor their progress in the food delivery marketplace. They can produce sales records that include the taxes paid and the marketplace commission.
Rider Management	Restaurant owners can view the status of assigned riders and communicate with them about order pickup and delivery.

For Rider

Features	Description
Profile Creation	Riders create the profile and get on board by providing some information such as name, contact details, and verification documents.
Alerts/Notifications	Riders receive alerts/notifications from the restaurant when a new order is assigned to them.
Status Availability	Using this feature, riders can set their status availability online/offline. If the rider status is offline, the restaurant cannot assign the order to them.
Route Optimization	It is one of the main features of the rider app. This feature helps the riders to find the shortest and quickest route for delivering orders.

For Admin

Features	Description
User Management	Admins can create, update, and deactivate user accounts for customers, restaurant owners, and riders.
Restaurant Onboarding	Admins can approve new restaurant registrations and monitor the restaurant’s compliance with platform policies.
Revenue Report	A white-label UberEats clone app admin dashboard can generate revenue reports for the orders. With this report, restaurant owners can track their payments and the entire business process.
Customer Support	Admins can handle customer inquiries, complaints, and assist users as needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building the App Like UberEats

How to create an app similar to Uber Eats?

Creating a food delivery clone app is challenging if you don’t know how to create it. However, with proper planning, you can easily create a great food app.  

Below are some steps to help you build an app like UberEats.  

1. Do Market Research

To gain comprehensive insights into the current market landscape, it is essential to conduct extensive research and gather relevant information. To achieve a better understanding of the market situation, consider seeking answers to the following questions:

• Who is your target audience?
• Who are your competitors, and what kind of services do they offer?
• What features do you include in your food app?
• What are the latest market trends in the online food market? 

2. Choose the Food Delivery Model

When you create the UberEats alternative app, select the food delivery model that meets your business needs. Choose the model carefully and keep its pros and cons in mind. 

3. Decide the App Features

The features you include in your app should be unique and give you an edge over your competitors. Below are some features that make your app the best and are essential for attracting customers in a crowded market. 

Admin Dashboard	Customer App	Restaurant App	Rider App
Rider management	User registration	Menu management	Registration
Restaurant management	Order tracking	Order management	Delivery management
Multi-option management	Review and ratings	Order tracking	Push notifications
Notifications	Multiple payment options	Order history	Order tracking
	Multi-language support	Ratings and reviews management	Order history
	Pickup and delivery options		Online delivery fees
	Advanced search for restaurants
	Discounts and offers
	Push notifications
	In-app Chat
	Loyalty program
	Integration with social media
	In-app notifications

4. Select the Tech Stack

When developing an app like UberEats, it is crucial to carefully select the appropriate technology stack. This choice forms the foundation for delivering a seamless user experience. The selection of technologies depends on the business model of your food app. 

Here are some technologies commonly used to create a food delivery app similar to Uber Eats:

• Mobile App Development 

Kotlin (Android) and Swift (iOS)

• Web App Development

AngularJS or React

• Back-End Development

PHP 

• Databases

MySQL 

• Third-Party Services

Payment Gateway: Stripe, Square, PayPal, Braintree

Analytics: Google Analytics

SMS: Twilio

Mailing: Mailchimp

Location: Google Maps

5. Choose a Practical Option for Developing Your App

Once you have determined the desired features and a powerful technology stack for your food delivery app, it is essential to select a feasible development option that aligns with your goals. There are two options available:

• Hire an App Development Team

To build a successful food delivery solution, you may need the following team members:

• Android developer
• iOS developer
• Project manager
• Business analyst
• UI/UX designer
• Front-end developer
• Back-end developer
• Testing engineer

• Utilize a Pre-Built Solution

If you are looking to build a food delivery app and swiftly launch your food delivery business, opting for a ready-made solution can be the most suitable choice. You can select a white-label food delivery platform that can be easily customized to meet your specific requirements. It offers extensive flexibility and can be tailored to create an app similar to UberEats.

6. App Testing 

App testing is a critical phase in the development of an app like UberEats. This process involves rigorous testing to identify and fix bugs and any user experience issues before the app goes live. 

Effective testing not only enhances the app’s reliability but also boosts user satisfaction, leading to positive reviews and higher retention rates.

7. Marketing 

Marketing is another aspect of launching an app like Uber Eats. A well-crafted marketing strategy is essential for creating awareness and attracting users to the platform. This involves identifying target demographics, using social media, and digital marketing techniques such as search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. 

Additionally, promotional campaigns, referral programs, and partnerships with local restaurants can help in building a user base. 

Benefits of Creating the UberEats Clone App

On-demand UberEats clone apps have transformed the way food businesses operate in today’s competitive food delivery market. These customized apps offer a multitude of advantages to food delivery startups. 

Let’s delve into the key benefits that make ready-to-use UberEats clone apps a game-changer for the food delivery industry.

Enhanced Visibility and Extended Reach

With the easy-to-use UberEats clone app, food delivery businesses gain access to a vast user base, expanding their reach beyond their traditional foot traffic. This increased visibility attracts new customers and establishes a strong market presence.

Increased Sales and Revenue

With an extensive user base of the clone app, food delivery businesses witness a surge in orders, driving revenue growth. The app’s user-friendly interface and seamless ordering process contribute to higher conversion rates.

Online Ordering for Revenue Growth

The open-source UberEats clone app solution facilitates convenient online ordering, allowing customers to place orders from their mobile devices or computers. This shift to online platforms significantly contributes to revenue growth by catering to the modern consumer’s preference for digital and contactless transactions.

Streamlined Order Management

The clone app’s admin panel streamlines the management of incoming orders, providing restaurants with an efficient interface to confirm, prepare, and dispatch orders. This streamlined process minimizes errors, enhances order accuracy, and ensures timely deliveries.

Real-Time Order Tracking

Restaurants can monitor the progress of each order in real time, from preparation to delivery, ensuring optimal coordination with delivery drivers. Customers also benefit from the transparency and convenience of tracking their orders.

User-Friendly Experience for Restaurant Partners

UberEats clone apps prioritize a positive user experience for restaurant partners. The admin panel is designed to be user-friendly, allowing restaurants to manage menus, promotions, and other details easily.

Efficient Delivery Logistics Management

Food delivery businesses can rely on the app to efficiently manage delivery personnel allocation, optimize routes, and ensure timely deliveries. This centralized approach to delivery logistics minimizes operational challenges for restaurant partners.

Data Analytics and Insights

Food delivery businesses can utilize data analytics and insights to understand customer preferences, track order trends, make informed decisions regarding menus, pricing, and marketing strategies, and continuously improve their offerings.

Customization and Branding

Restaurant partners benefit from customization options within the clone app, such as customized menus, promotions, and branding elements. This allows them to showcase their unique branding and identity, strengthening their presence in the market.

Overall, UberEats clone apps provide food delivery businesses with a comprehensive solution that enhances their operations, boosts revenue, and improves customer satisfaction.

Potential Return on Investment (ROI)

Building a food delivery app can help you achieve a high ROI. With the right marketing strategy, you will spread your business and drive sales and loyal customers. Use the proven tactics to promote your food app to increase your ROI and achieve sustained growth.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App like Uber Eats?

The cost of building a food delivery app similar to Uber Eats can vary based on several factors. These factors include:

• App Complexity

The size and complexity of your app play a significant role in determining its development cost. The more features you want to add to your food delivery app, the higher the price.

• App Design

The design of your app also influences the UberEats clone app development cost. An appealing user interface with eye-catching graphics is essential for attracting users. The cost of app design will depend on the chosen theme and visual elements.

• App Platforms

The platform you choose for your food delivery app, whether it’s Android, iOS, or both, has a significant impact on both the development timeline and cost. The pricing can vary depending on the platform you select for building your app.

• App Development Team

Whether you hire freelancers, a food delivery app development agency, or have an in-house development team, the cost of your app development will heavily rely on the expertise and resources of the team you choose.

Keep in mind that these factors can collectively impact the overall cost of developing your food delivery app. It is crucial to consider your budget and prioritize the features and design elements that align with your business goals.

Here is a rough estimate of the potential costs involved in developing an app like Uber Eats.

Cost Component	Estimated Cost (USD)
Market Research	$5,000 – $15,000
UI/UX Design	$10,000 – $30,000
Frontend Development	$15,000 – $50,000
Backend Development	$20,000 – $60,000
Admin Panel Development	$5,000 – $20,000
Payment Integration	$3,000 – $10,000
API Development	$5,000 – $15,000
Testing & QA	$5,000 – $15,000
Deployment	$2,000 – $5,000
Marketing & Launch	$10,000 – $50,000
Maintenance (Yearly)	$10,000 – $20,000
Total Estimated Cost: $70,000 – $300,000+

Challenges of Building an App like UberEats

Building an app like UberEats involves several challenges. Here are some key challenges to consider. 

• Finding unique features or services to stand out can be difficult.
• High competition with established players in the food delivery market.
• Planning for future feature expansions without compromising performance.
• Developing effective marketing strategies to attract users.
• Implementing retention strategies to engage users and reduce churn rates.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to create an app like Uber?

The cost of creating an app like Uber is between between $70,000 – $300,000+. This cost can be higher if you add more advanced features. 

2. What type of app is Uber Eats?

Uber Eats is an online food ordering and delivery platform. In 2024, Uber launched this platform. 

3. How long does it take to build an app like Uber?

Building an app like Uber can take 4-5 weeks. However, it depends on the app features and functionalities you want to include.

4. Does Uber Eats have an algorithm?

Like all food delivery apps, Uber Eats uses an algorithm that makes them unique. 

5. Are there apps similar to Uber Eats?

Below is a list of a few apps that are similar to Uber Eats.

• Grubhub
• Swiggy
• DoorDash

6. How does Uber Eats make money?

Below are some ways that Uber Eats make money.

• Charges fees from restaurants
• Charges delivery fees from customers
• Offers paid in-app advertising

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